Zip's Page
A top Patriot Fan Site since 1996 - Oldest on the Web!
Winner of the 2001 Patriots Fan of the Year Award!

Back to the driving/parking approach:   Assuming that you are getting to the Stadium by Route 1, there are simply two choices:   Route 1 Heading North or Route 1 Heading South.  I recomend heading South (from 95) as I have pictures to make it clear but both are quite possible.

Heading North on Route 1: The last lot on your left before you pass the Stadium.   The "Beantown Sports Souvenir" store and sign should be your clue.   Enter the lot and head to the far back right as per below! Heading South on Route 1:  You will pass the first entrance to the stadium and should get into the right lane.  You will proceed up the hill past Rodman Ford and actually pass the stadium.  You may notice the path on your right which is directly across from the ProShop parking enterance (this path is the route we walk to the game and the best access on foot to my tailgate - when the path forks take the right fork! I'll be almost directly ahead - slightly to the right as the path emerges to this secluded section of the parking lot!

Ok - just after you pass that path and the stadium you will take your next right - the following two pictures should provide reasonable landmarks for you. 

So after having gotten yourself into that lot from the ever closer pictures above - you now need to turn right at the back of the lot and proceed way up to the top of the hill in the right most corner of the lot.  This is the corner closest to the road and furthest from the entrance.  It is right here that the path goes directly to the stadium and provides easy enter and exit.  It's a quiet little corner until we arrive and spruce it up.  You'll notice that my tailgate can be distinguished by the white Canapy, the Patriots Flag and most significantly the Patriots Pendants strung to a nearby pole or tree.  The Tedy Brusch jersey should also be a clue.  Note the picture of the lot properly marked and then a picture of the tailgate set up from the final '98 preseason game in which we made the day for many a fine child that got a chance to join us before hard core tailgate parties resumed.  Remember - folks are always welcome to join us and a quick yell of "Zip" should get you a response.  Feel free to send me an email telling me you'll be joining us but stop by either way!

We park just to the right of the mark above. Sale of the lot moved us up a bit from last year!

A motley crew of pleased youths - I AM young!

AFC Championship Tailgate!

Knowing I was New Orleans bound, this was my final chance for a Tailgate to commemorate the 2001 New England Patriot Season!  As such I hosted my own Tailgate and invited a few friends to join me for the tilt between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the 'overmatched' (ahem) New England Patriots!

(Under Construction)

Miami Dolphins

Zip's Tailgate Competitors may cry foul but Bino has a game with more style and originality than any other in the History of the Tailgate competition.  This week features not only a playoff atmosphere game which is a battle for first place in the AFC-East, it features Zip's great fortune and early Christmas Present as he is named: the 2001 New England Patriot Fan of the Year

	The Tailgate Crew were a proud group - confident in the impending victory and elated to share the playoff atmosphere which blended well with Zip's great fortune as the "2001 Fan of the Year!"
The full crew at departure!		The Blackstone Trio: Web, Bino & Zip
	On hand were some Stalwart folks of Tailgate legend: Bino, Web, Coach, Jose, Chris, Karen, Al, Monty, Darren and his wife Kendra as well as a few of the more rare visitors dropped by as always.
Bino, the formerly dependable Chris Sheridan and Jose!		Bino, Karen, Monty, Jose & Zip casual.

While there was fine fare in abundance which featured Bino's Mohito's for Miami flare, the champagne, chili, and general smorgasbord was shorter than usual as Zip and Web let Jose's paint magic run the course and headed in for the pre-game ceremony.

Zip had the fortune to share a few casual moments with Tedy Bruschi who was quite kind in his statements to the media regarding Zip's deservedness for the award as well as personal appreciation for Zip and the many Bruschi Backers of Patriot Nation.
Sharing general good humor and eager anticipation for the game, it was certainly a day of dreams realized for a fan.  When you have so much enjoyment in just being a fan, getting accolades for your fandom makes for a rewarding day.

	The Joseph Mastrangelo Trophy presentation was done by Chad Gifford (Preisdent of Fleet Financial), Tedy Bruschi and Joe Mastrangelo, son of the original season ticket holder for whom the award is named.  Oz had to get his paws on the prize as well!
	As if the day wasn't grand enough, Zip received a plaque which pronounced his entry into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in Canton Ohio.  The Plaque will be placed in the Hall of Fans.

	Charlie Sherman of WMUR TV-9 in Manchester, NH did an on-field interview with Zip.  Channel 9 was generous in their coverage of the award and provided some tapes for the archives!
	Robert and Myra Kraft were quite friendly in sharing some of the emotion of the day with Zip.  Kraft had kind words to say on camera as he praised the support of all New England fans as epitomized by the passion of Zip.

Zip gets a final 'vantage' of his section (116) for the final regular season game ever in Foxboro Stadium.  Bino, Jack and Karen are predominantly viewed along with the "54 Full Tilt - Full Time" banner for Tedy..
Meanwhile on-field photographer and eons long participant in Zip's Patriotic aspirations, Rob Webber, poses with Zip for a candid shots to show their once-ever opportunity to be on the field at Foxboro Stadium...
For two-fans who've endured some rough games together through the years, this was our finest hour as Pats fans.  We had the pleasure of meeting the fine Mastrangelo family, touching the legendary snowplow...
Complete with John Henderson to drive it out "without NFL pre-approval" of course!

Rejoining Bino in my seats for the game, the Pats provided a treat as they dominated the Dolphins throughout the game.  Buoyed by the power running prowess of Antowain Smith and the stingy defensive assault, New England took an emotional victory 20-13 although the game was far less close than the score indicates with 20-3 being the comfort margin for the majority of the game.

Though the camera doesn't adequately capture the Diamond Vision, the third quarter brought a stadium-wide tribute to the Fan of the Year.  Ostend and Zip were shown receiving the award as well as with some live video while a touching tribute was read across the loudspeakers.  It was a moving tribute amidst a very emotional Farewell to Foxboro game.

The Victory brought Euphoria to the stands and field.  The old Slab was going to close in style.  The Patriots were officially in 1st place in the AFC-East and had broken a streak of too many losses to the rival Dolphins.  The players shared the moment in emotional overload as they toured the field and stands while an elated crowd erupted with jubilant cries.  Tedy Bruschi made bringing Zip a gift first priority.  He brought a Gatorade cup full of field turf from the magical moment which would end the stadium's 31 regular seasons.  The moment lasted for some time as player after player thanked their faithful supporters in a manner reminiscent of their AFC Championship hour of 1996.

Coach encouraged Zip to tolerate a few puffs of the Victory Cigar while the officianados (Monty & Bino) stifled their heckling.  It was a sweet savor much like the one which followed the AFC-Championship Victory in 1996.

My utmost thanks to Rob Webber for his phtotography skills, his effort in attending the game as well as his efforts in getting these photos to me with descroptions to aid in this process.  He's a tremendous friend and will share many more great Patriot moments with me in the days to come!

Finally - there will be a place of honor in my Patriotically enshrined home to appreciate the awards of the day which have much significance to me.  For the rest of my days, I will always have this moment when Patriot Nation acknowledged my passion for the sport, love and devotion for the team and kinship with great fans past and present as embodied in the Joseph Mastrangelo Memorial Trophy.  I will always be proud of this moment in time!

Go Pats!  Keep the Faith - Full Tilt - Full Time!!

@New York Jets

Bino slaved away to make a pair of Chili vats.  One spicy enough for the bravest souls.  A good collection of brave souls invaded Zip's home to savor the feel of playoffs unknown since 1998.  Champagne was on ice as we set to a game which seemed destined to let us down.  We worked our mojo throughout the game and ultimately found the groove as the Pats rallied to topple the Jets and enable our celebratory cork popping and toast as Tom Brady kneeled the way to victory!

New Orleans Saints:

The hype had begun to mount as an NFC playoff contender came to Foxboro for a 4:00 showdown in which one of the teams would emerge as a legitimate contender and the other would fade into the background for the season.  A very loud crowd was ready and it all began with a healthy dose of tailgating celebrations.

Charts and the Blueberry muffins arrived plenty early as Bino's breakfast (& key reminders) got us underway.  The lots of course were open 45 minutes early to encourage fans to ignore the lot timing 'rules.'

Still we were plenty early and had a fine post beside Al and Karen (a.k.a. 'Mrs. Bruschi.'  Not to mention the infamous Monty crew (Jay, Chen and Elaine?) as well, of course, as Larry and Laureen dropped in for the festivity.  Why is Jay on Monty's lap?

Hank as always made a trip and actually found the Web site this round.  Several additional guests helped us round out the crowd such as Jose, Bill and Melissa (the graphical mastery which aids a blind man in having a web site!)  She has a wonderful philanthropic effort over at Netcastles.

As I mentioned, my ever dependable Ostend braved the 60 degree temperatures and virtually dared it to rain upon us.  The weather complied and by the end of an exceedingly popular Jambalaya feast, the rain began to fall.  Now Jambalaya was the ingredient which brought the Pats to the Superbowl in '96, perhaps it has a bit of magic left for this season.  Charts certainly hopes this is the case.  The Bourbon Street Beverage topped Zip's tailgate off in New Orleans style and the Pats topped New Orleans in Foxborough style.  As always an excellent day for a football fan in New England.  Good friends, good food and a Patriot victory!

Cleveland Browns

Ask not "whom let the Dawgs out" - ask whom has their tail between their legs!

  His true 'colors' emerged ...

As questionable as Terry Glenn's 'Hamstring' has become the dependability of David Bohnet!  Jim picked up the slack in excellent form with a solid assist from Jose!  Snow rolled through the night before but the tail end of the storm could not halt the tailgaters.  The closed parking lot?
That almost halted the Tailgaters but the Show Must Go On was the mantra as Zip's Tailgate used a one time location of the Pro-Shop to set up.  Folks joining us made the trudge to find us and we managed to assemble the unique environs into a formidable tailgate!

	Jose, stylin' in confidence knowing he'd arrived to the lot earlier than for his own game - thus boosting his score despite the snow and rather late hour of his prowling.  He even joined the 116 seats for the first half of the game.
	Always deserving of props, Ostend performed quite well although he was a tad more tempted by the food fare than he is supposed to demonstrate!  Note the Brown beans, Brown bread and of course... Dogs!    There wasn't a BEvERage lacking in some form of Brown/Dog nomenclature!
	Certainly excellent work for a rookie! - and a Browns fan at that.  Fortunately Jim knew his food as well as his football.  As much a class act in the defeat of his team as he is in the support of the Pats when they are not facing the Browns.

So despite the cancelled lot plans, despite missing Josh, despite his rookie stature and his Browns fandom.  Jim made some extra strides himself and was fortunate in the fine folk who are faithful to our tailgate as we enjoyed the snow's final flakes.  Enjoyed the closeness to the Pro-shop... and of course the game.  It was a tough contest with Cleveland falling behind in the first half but making a run at it for the third quarter.  A quarter which would end as would their hopes.  Bruschi had one of his finest games and danced his way to say thanks to the section he says "inspires him" during games. 

Let us not forget the Bruschi Brigade in its many forms:

Brian and Kathy who made the trudge through the snowy sludge to share their Bruschi Painted faces, B's rather vocal outing and a chance to tailgate as the Fox was intended.  Is it true they are hunting my tickets for next year?
At the Game's Conclusion, and post a Bruschi Handshake, Karen and Zip (courtesy of Al's Photography Skills) celebrate the march towards the Division title... Jim has Oz in the background but the forefront is the full 'game face' of a pair of happy fans!
Al's Sleuth Service also chimed in to help with a Tailgate based Bruschi sighting.  Tedy was certainly enthused about the win - almost enough to move on his contract!  Having him even near the Tailgate was a perk for certain!

Ultimately another fine day of Tailgating as we moved one game closer to the final closing of the Fox!  Another win under the old slab's tally sheet!

Wily veteran Rob "Willy" Webber had surprisingly selected the prime time match in the prime chill of November.  This untypical selection was apparently a result of his ritual sacrifice of a goat which ensured the balmy weather conditions his fair weather (literally) fandom demands.  

As always Zip and Web were quick to find their game faces.

along with a few friends to help us enjoy the festivities:

Speaking of Festivities the UNH crowd solidly dominated the Portsmouth duo in Dart Football...more impressive to know folks withstood the tailgate while Zip threw darts!  Rambling Rick brought along a Jets fan and a trio of shot glasses adorned with the the Statue of Liberty.  There was a toast to unity while the dart losers sulked:

However all sides came together again for Rob's musical (sort of?) Tom Brady tribute.  Karen and Al (Mrs. Bruschi?) joined us for this delicacy which wasn't quite up to the culinary feast Web provided.

By Popular Tailgate Demand - Web's Song Lyrics:
Now the scene of our revelers all joining for this song was frightening - and I assure you involved far less alcohol than the sound may cause you to believe - Hear a bit of it!

On to the game and Prime Time - Commissioner Tags even dropped by our world.  Seen here shaking the hand of Karen Hourigan - the 2nd biggest Pats Fan.

The leading ladies did their part to present the team:. 

Who were united in a solid game against the Rams!

  Even Monty climbed out of wedding ceremonies to catch game and tailgate!

An excellent day with a wily veteran - who demonstrated why he won this challenge more than anyone prior to the arrival of Coach!  The Pats fell 24-17 but the day was a classic reason why being a Patriot fan in our fashion is a rewarding experience.

The always punctual John Fallon arrived early to the homestead with his lovely lady Beth who would be joining us for the day.  We had a Buffalo Sausage based breakfast with the help of Donna as well as enough time to relax a bit before hitting the road.  Ostend and I rode in style as the van was spacious despite the large amount of tailgate collections we bring.  It was a blustery and cold fall morning but it was a morning we expected would hold an excellent tailgate as well as a victory launching the Patriots over .500 for the first time in 27 games!  

A full tailgate crew included Beth's father finally collecting on his Father's Day rewards.  Karen and Al joined us from Rhode Island as they broke from tradition to show-off their tailgate talents and excellent company.  The Bruschi Banner never looked over the tailgate with the same luster as it does with more Backers about!  Kathy and Brian helped the NH contingent and arrived bearing gifts of Guiness!  Monty was the first arrival to represent the list and as always he spices up a tailgate almost as well as his steak tips.  The Buffalo Chili was in tough company but Darren, Phil, Bill, Laureen, Larry, Steph, Bama, Bosco and Steve all made their various distance travels to sample the fare.  Dan Sheridan even arrived, complete with flat tire, on the day his first grandchild might arrive.  Zachary Jonathan Sheridan waited one more day but did arrive in time to watch Sam Gash on Monday Night Football.  We had a fine group with more food and beverages than could rightly be consumed.  The Motley crew enjoyed the defensively driven victory (21-11) and celebrated despite the wind and chills.

Post Game Group	John and Zip pre-game

John's ever present quest to hang the opposition produced a Buffalo which was hanging at the tailgate as well as at the game!  His Voodoo charms work well as the Colt has held Manning in check since he arrived in Foxboro for John's first game!

The Top 2 Bruschi Backers Pose with a celebratory Bruschi Brew 6 which was well chilled (Shaken not stirred apparently as well!) for toasting the win! Ostend would like to be on record as a Troy Brown supporter and few would give him much grief about his selection!

Monty's Steak Tips and fond farewells allowed all revelers to return home sated with a win which has New England in some post season contention for the first time in a long time - Bring on the Rams!

"Here's the Story ... of Donna's Tailgate Song - She was singing to the tune of the Brady Bunch" - know Zip has learned she had a  good hunch!  Now a savvy veteran of Tailgates, Donna was prepared to compete in full force.  We added mystery guest Jim Pitkiewicz and headed down with time to spare - time we used in a few detours on the way but we made the lots by 9 and found ourselves mostly in my location of choice.  Monty was parked opposite us while Hank, Larry and crew managed the spot next to us where once again they had a full turkey to cook with all the trimmings.  Never mind Thanksgiving at Grandma's we are going to their tailgate next round!

Meanwhile Donna had her San Diego, South of the Border theme in full force.  We'd feast on theme food and drink throughout the day.  Burrito's at a tailgate?  Unique and delicious!  Margarita's at the tailgate?  Unique and phenomenal!  Pictures at the Tailgate?  Well that's the part which slipped up a bit!  Here is our requisite group picture however!

   The astute will note that Pats list members Bill, Monty and Phil joined us.  Phil had been banned from the tailgate but he did bring the better luck charm of Sharon who managed to overcome his accursed Welsh luck and bring a victory.  Phil's tailgate ban has been lifted.

   After more snack food then I could handle, a pair of Bruschi Brew 6 bottles shared appropriately, we packed up and made our way into the game suddenly noting the dryness of our canopy had vanished into a mist.  Ostend had a special feature for us on the way into the game but all was handled well and his opinion of the chargers was noted for the record books.  An opinion which would later bear fruit as the Pats upset the Chargers in a stunning upset victory which may put the Flutie-Foxboro legend to rest as it was undoubtedly his final game in the stadium.

  Post game we managed more fine fare along with a Jets-Thrashing half of football before we began to pack up for the journey home.  Sadly the Jets came back but even that couldn't put a damper on the exuberance of we celebrants in the Brady Bunch.  Coming home to learn we'd again logged TV time was the coup de grace on a fine day's Tailgate.  Go Pats!

On Thursday morning Donna, Ostend and I arrived to Miami and the team hotel at the Westin Ft. Lauderdale.  The restaurant was serving blackened Dolphin for lunch and I thought it only appropriate to feast early!

We met up with Bama, Mike, Laureen and Larry for a trip to the 'recomended' Hollywood Beach.  It was revere without the hotels and horrific food but our conglomerate was in good spirits and had many laughs.  Ostend turned his nose up at the food - following Laureen's wise example.

Friday we connected with the Sheridan's, rented a vehicle and drove to Gator Park on the excellent recommendation of Dan Sheridan.  The Guide was fun and informative and the airboat tour as well as the wildlife show were much enjoyed.  Why is Zip holding a life Scorpion?  Why are Zip and Donna wading in the everglades?  Check out all those Gators - could the Pats have beaten the Gators on this day?

Friday evening we met up with a few more Jammi Folks in the lounge before heading off to Howl at the Moon which was phenomenal on this particular night.  Buckets of Margaritas and many more Pats fans than Dolphin fans.  The music was outstanding the crowd was fun and Ostend was his usual magnetic self.  Take away the large man who tried to get far too close and personal with me and it was a great excursion.

Saturday was mostly lounging with Pats fans awaiting the players.  Steve Burton was particularly fun in our group and shared several little known and cool tales.  This was classic Jammi time even before the team arrived.

Sunday of course was about the fun on the way to the game and at the tailgate.  The bus was quite comfortable and Pats conversations abounded on virtually every topic - the insiders held a secret meeting I think - at least I assume that's why Jacob was making that noise!  No wild bus antics by drivers or Jammi goers.  Make what you will of the pics!

Click Here for an mpg Video of our motley crew - complete with proof you should not give a Dolphin fan a camera!

My thanks to the Sheridans (Chris, Mike & Dan) and of course my girlfriend Donna for enhancing my trip so much

Now for Jacob's more journalistic review:

Well, it ended up being a great trip.

I wasn't sure it would be on the way down. I was pretty nervous about
flying post-Sept. 11. I got about two hours of sleep on Thursday night,
leaving for the airport at 6:20 a.m. I didn't feel much better once I got
on the plane, a small puddle-jumper. I was on the verge of throwing up
actually, but fortunately a very casual acquaintance (whom I hadn't seen in
almost exactly a year) was on the flight and sat next to me. She was able
to talk me through it, and I was able to get a bit of sleep on the second,
longer flight on a larger plane. On the bright side, she was going to give
me a ride to the hotel. No such luck, though, as bill and Bama were
freaking kind enough to show up at the airport to pick me up. Oh well, I
got her number, so I'll call her this week (and as I kept trying to say in
my defense as I was getting hounded, she's really high maintenance, and I'm
currently interested in someone else).

First night was pretty low key. A few people went out, but Cecil, Darren,
Bama, Bill and I (did I leave anyone out?) were content to hang out in the
hotel lounge. Before that, though, was something pretty cool happened
(though everyone else disagreed with me). I was coming down with Bama or
Darren (forget which) and passed someone who looked really familiar. It
took me a half-minute, but Darren/Bama confirmed my suspicions. It was
Janet Reno, who was in the hotel for some sort of democratic party
function. I went up and talked to her for a minute, and she was nice in a
politician-type of way (i.e. I have no idea who you are, but you might be
able to vote for me if the Supreme Court and Florida's Secretary of State
remember that Americans have the right to vote so I'll smile and listen
attentively). I missed out on a picture since my camera was in the room. Oh
well.

Got to meet Zip, Donna and Co. (I think those were the actual only new list
members), who are all as cool as reported. It was really neat to talk to
him and interact with Zip (whom I think is the first blind person I know).
Real good guy. Donna and Ostend are also worth getting to know.

I think that was the evening Steve Burton arrived, and he hung out with us
for a while. Very cool guy and very friendly. Oh yeah, some of Jermaine
Wiggins' buddies were hanging out there too and almost got in a brawl with
us after Cecil started bashing their homie. Also saw a couple of fine
looking ladies in the hotel -- I joked they must be Law and Lawyer's girls.
Not surprisingly, they immediately attached themselves to our pro bowlers
(and Ty does seem to have regained his old form) as soon as they walked in.

Saturday, after visiting the grandparents, we hung out in the lobby and
waited for the players to arrive. Pretty much the same deal as last year.
This year I got to talk to Lonnie Paxton for a while, as he was waiting for
his family to show up. I think he was amused by Stef's sister, Kirsten, who
was doing her best impression of trying to come on to him (could you bench
press me? What do you drive? How much do you make? etc. etc.). It was cute
watching him try to react to her (she thought he was a lung snapper). Nice
guy, though he looks like a shrink next to his co-workers.

Also got to speak briefly with Kenyatta Jones, who was also a very nice guy
-- probably this year's Tony George. His family showed up and hung out for
a while, including his 2-month-old daughter. As they walked in, I made a
crack that she looks more like her mother to the woman carrying her in --
turns out, though, that that was Kenyatta's mother and the baby's
grandmother. She looked awful young.

We later went out to Howl at the Moon, which was a cool club. A couple guys
who went the night before, though, said it was much better that time. We
chatted with a pretty cool couple (Justin and Tara) who had to deal with me
getting dissed by some really short woman. (Cecil and I were being obvious
about checking out the ladies, so Justin pointed out the short hottie when
she walked up. He was chuckling and she turned to him and asked what was so
god-damn funny. He said he thought she and I would make a good couple --
she clearly disagreed. Story of my life.)

Sunday, the tailgate was good and the busride was far duller than last
year. The driver did try his hand at comedy, though -- and failed. The
tailgate was good again as well, though I abstained from drinking,
unfortunately. It was just too damn hot, though not as bad as last year
(especially when the clouds were out). I managed to get less sunburned this
year.

Game was a typical game these days. I tried to focus on Matt Light, with
whom I was pretty impressed, and Richard Seymour. Despite some early
troubles, I think Light did a real good job on a good DE in Jason Taylor.
Seymour had some flashes. In general, though, I think he needs to do a
better job of staying on his feet and tackling. He should have had Fiedler
a few times but let him escape.

Sunday evening, we headed out to a place called Evangeline for some good
Cajun food. Damn, it was hot -- I was tearing up a little. Donna couldn't
even stomach it. Also, really expensive. Nine of us came to a more than
$400 bill, which I think is a record for me, at least.

The trip back was interesting. I had commented that after all my fear of
flying, it'd be ironic to get back and then die in a car crash on the way
home from the airport. Almost didn't make it that far, though. As we sped
back to the hotel, one of Ostend's cousins wandered out into the road.
Darren swerved to avoid it, which he barely did, and then just barely
avoided getting us slammed by the truck alongside us. It was a fantastic
effort, no matter what Cecil said about him later.

Pleasant enough trip back, as I apparantly am now over my new fear of
flying. I ended up falling asleep before the plane finished taxiing down
the runway (even though I had more sleep that night than I did before) and
didn't wake up until landing.

All in all, a fantastic time, one I hope I can repeat next year (though,
like others, I'm ready to try somewhere else -- preferably San Diego if we
play there).

Quote of the trip: "You think like Drew Bledsoe runs." -- Zip, to Cecil.

Jacob

Joining me for this game is my Brother in his first entrance to my competition.  He craftily brought along my nephews and arranged for the Leading Lady and other friends to join us.  A shrewd ploy by the elder Pierce and certain to add to all of our fun! 

We began our festivities in grand style with Giant Subs.  It's always good to feast on your opponent on Game Day.  These things were more than a match for us and made the trip to the Fox with us after we all dined on them!  Ultimately saving a stranded Tailgater next to us!

We then began the painting projects.  Washable paints for the car had been found and Zip got to test his Rembrandt qualities (none) along with others.  Nephew Chris found a knack for drawing the symbol.  Kathy and Charts even offered their truck up for sacrificial painting.  Much honking resulted during the ride - always bonus points!

We arrived to the lot in plenty of time to get good spacing - thanks to preseason being more forgiving.  The Highwaymen robbed us of $25 for parking and decreed no footballs could be tossed because of a law suit.  At least we were not in the mud at the stadium construction project!  Speaking of mud - the torrential rain couldn't get us in the comfort of the canopy!

Food was an impressively sized NY Sirloin - more opposition feasting!  Giant Shrimp for the oxymoron food and plenty of trimmings.  We ate in the best style of any tailgate!  We conversed with many folks as "Not-so-dependable-any-more-cuz-he's-gonna-be-a-Daddy" Chris Sheridan joined us with a convert (Al).  Bama joined us from his (nick)namesake as well as Steph - one of his primary Pats Babes.  My lady Donna and the nephews Chris and Nick rounded out our crew.

The Pats put a hurting on the Giants as they never allowed them into Patriot territory throughout the entire game.  The 14-ZIP shutout was an excellent affair.  Thanks to Rick for making it a great day on his FIRST entrant into the competition!

We started with our annual pilgrimage to TD Waffle in Tewksbury, MA.  A fine fare as our crew of eight intrepid adventurers were bound for Great Woods and the tailgate of the year.  I thrive on my Pats tailgates for a fun of a different kind but all professional tailgaters know that nothing compares to the crowd at a Great Woods Buffett concert.

Many Fringe benefits to a Buffett concert - lovely ladies in tropical attire or large hairy football fans ....You make the call!  Ostend certainly made the right choice!

Back to the game I thought I'd point out it does have merits of it's own...
   and not just the proximity to the field!

For instance the Pats had a tenacious defense, despite the absence of three major starters: Ty Law, Ted Johnson & Tedy Bruschi!  As the Patriots put the Washington Redskins away 33-13, much of the credit fell to the defense.  A defense led by Roman Phifer (95), Bryan Cox (0) and the new Defensive Coordinator - Romeo Crennell!  Here all three depart the Foxboro Field on the final Preseason game...nostalgic - not yet.

Bring on the regular season - I'm ready for Football tailgate and games that count!

Always count on Jose to provide a fine day's excursion.  He warmed up by attending the Season Opener at my abode and then was ready for a full swing tailgate.  An early arrival ensured the KIA could be transdimensionally packed to house the entirety of the tailgate paraphernalia!  Sony wasn't kind so there was no match up of the day through no fault of Jose!  Plenty of time to visit Jackie's Diner for a good breakfast to start the day - and  just one cup of coffee too many which along with traffic did  hamper our arrival time.  The good fortune of friends ensured we had a spot saved for our 1/2 hour late arrival.  Thanks to Jack, Glenn, Chris and even the Jets fandom who arrived in time to get and save our place!  

We had a fine group in place for this Home Opener.  Foxboro's final season began following the tragedy of September 11.  It was an inspired and united tailgate with more American flags than the lot had seen in some time.  The long lines everywhere were frequently filled with folks singing the National Anthem or other Patriotic Songs.  There was emotion in the air and camaraderie was quite high!

I certainly counted myself fortunate to be among good friends who have done much to aid me in my life as well as my football enjoyment.  Jose, of course, who drew the game as well as the flag emblem upon my face over there is a winner of this tailgate 'contest' for a reason.  The "ever-dependable" Chris Sheridan shows for a near final appearance (baby on the way!) and was watching the 1:00 games with us here at the comfortable tailgate environs.  Many joined us, more than I'll list for now but hopefully our tailgate and fun will continue to grow throughout the season and seasons  ahead at the new stadium!.

The roughest part of course was the actual game.  While the defense did hold Jets to merely 10 points, that was still enough to lose by seven.  Along with this they lost Drew Bledsoe to injury and Zip was forced to honor a bet with the Soothsayer of Jet Insider and thus does he wear his shame in the Jet Jersey.  Sooth would have looked much better in a Bruschi Jersey and holding a pats flag - don't you think?

While most looked upon their schedule selection for the more likely victory, Brian "Coach" Poor took a top opponent and demanded the team bring him victory to which he has become accustomed.  In preparation for the game, Coach began our mastery of the Colts early with a trip to Bobby's dude ranch and some direct taming of our 'foe.'

Of course the twisted trekkie demanded his usual vehicle rental - from none other than 'Enterprise!'  Note Coach also helped me accessorize with this fine hat and snazzy leigh.

This allowed our typical setup to be in full force - complete with hanging Colt from John Fallon fame and of course a desire to make the Colts the goats!

One surprise was the inclusion of a mystery guest.  David "Charts" Chartier was voted into the mix and responded with a single night of notice.  The trio were joined by the devout Ostend - Kathy, Brian and a new experience for her: sober chili.  Newfound tailgaters Scott, Scott and Hank joined the ranks again with only the Snuffalufagus of Pats Tailgates absent as Pats Freak and his wife either failed to find our crew or wisely hid in fear.  For while we did have a fine setup and good folk all around - we also took care of our obligatory duties in torching the Colts to help inspire and direct our team!

Although the camera did not make the journey into the game, Coach's film should augment this section in roughly one week!  His Bonus points may depend upon it!  In the meanwhile perhaps you can take some small comfort in an actual mpg video showing our tailgate!

The Pats did not disappoint our excellent preparation as they came out with a new theme of Defensive Unity and provided all the accoutrements for a glorious if somewhat brisk fall football afternoon.  After a 44-13 jubilation in the stadium we retired to watch a little Flutie magic for the 3-0 San Diego Chargers but with all talk firmly and appropriately devoted to the big Patriotic Victory which put the Pats back upon the football map for the 2001 season.